Teleportation was a fast way to get back to the base, but it was still far from pleasant. Patapouf seemed to handle it well for his first time, unlike Patch, who flopped into the grass. Max was crouched nearby, observing the few meager crops. Aaron approached him and noticed that some nice sprouts had appeared. Was the growth rate different in this universe? Mollie, the wolf pup, dashed toward Aaron excitedly, and he patted her back.
Max: Ah, there you are! That's some pretty good work.
Max was now wearing mossy clothing, giving him a sort of military appearance.
Aaron: Thanks, and nice outfit, but we're not here to talk about gardening and clothes. You said someone found a dungeon? I'm listening.
Max: Haha, don't be so hasty. So, like I said, Spark found a portal that leads to a dungeon, not far from here…
Aaron: And if you're telling me this, it means you want us to form a temporary group with Spark?
Max: Exactly, the expedition is tomorrow. So, are you in?
Aaron scratched the back of his neck, hesitating. His first impression of Spark had been very bad, and he had already risked his life against a single isopod. But Max's genuine enthusiasm and insistence pushed him to accept nonetheless.
Aaron: I guess we can give it a try…
Max: I knew inviting you was the right move! By the way, there will be 2–3 others joining with Spark; they're part of his alliance.
Aaron: What do you mean, alliances already? We've only been here for barely two days! I didn't even know that was possible.
Max: And you weren't reading the chat… Seriously? Well, one of the guys discovered that by creating an alliance, you can merge your base with someone else's, which is pretty useful.
Aaron: By the way, Max, I haven't had the chance to see your base yet. What kind of terrain do you have?
Max: Mine is about the size of yours, but with a few trees.
Aaron's eyes lit up automatically. He extended his hand toward Max.
Aaron: Would you agree to form an alliance with me? Even if we don't know each other well, we shouldn't fall behind.
Max shook Aaron's hand.
Max: I accept your proposal with pleasure. In fact, I was hoping you'd ask.
[Max wants to join your team. Warning: your bases will be merged; this cannot be undone.]
With slightly clammy hands, Aaron clicked "accept."
The base doubled in size, now a solid 30 m² by 30 m². In the new section, part of it was wooded, while another part was partially cleared. You could even see some furniture: a table, four chairs, and even a wardrobe. Aaron stared at the furniture, mouth agape. Max suddenly startled him, holding his lance in a ready stance.
Max: Don't make any sudden moves. Looks like a beetle knocked out your rat. I'll attack from the front, and you take the flank.
Aaron laughed and whistled for Patapouf. The giant beetle returned and sat on the ground on command. Patch seemed to slowly regain consciousness.
Aaron: I guess I forgot the introductions. Patapouf, meet Max. Max, this is Patapouf.
Max: You have… interesting tastes when it comes to pets.
Patch: The base! What happened to our base?! What did you do while I was out?! I demand an explanation immediately!
His foot and tail tapped in agitation as he glared at the two men.
Max: Perfect timing. I actually have something for you.
He handed Patch a small copper satchel. Patch's ears betrayed his excitement. He grabbed the bag stealthily, feeling it with his fingers as if it were one of his most precious possessions.
Patch: I suppose Max can stay a few days… But I won't tolerate any misstep!
Max: Don't worry, I know how to behave… well, most of the time.
Aaron watched the scene, amused. It felt good to spend some time with another human. Max, despite his makeshift military look, seemed perfectly at ease in this strange world, and his presence brought a new dynamic.
Aaron: Enough fooling around. Tomorrow, we'd better leave our monsters here, just so our base stays defended. You never know; it could all be a trap to steal other players' resources.
Patch: Finally, a sensible word! I really don't trust these temporary alliances! If they show up, Mollie, Patapouf, and I will give them a hard time.
Max: You're too suspicious… But I get it. Fine, Mollie stays here tomorrow.
The beige wolf pup slipped between Max's legs, whining softly. Her master patted her reassuringly. Then everyone got to work. Max began crafting mossy clothes for Aaron, to improve his stealth. Patch busied himself watering the crops and setting a stake for the tomato plant. Meanwhile, Aaron and Patapouf fought against isopods. The more they fought, the sharper their reflexes and techniques became. After killing two, a notification appeared:
[Congratulations, you have gained a skill point.]
Aaron wiped the sweat from his forehead. He opened his menu and decided to assign a point to endurance. Immediately, he felt a refreshing surge of energy, but he knew it wasn't necessary to continue.
Aaron: Well, Patapouf, I think we'd better head back. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
Patapouf flicked his antennas. Aaron returned to the base quickly on the scarab's back. Patch and Max had apparently finished their tasks. Both were lying in the grass, half asleep. Patch even fell asleep snuggled against Mollie, who seemed surprisingly calm. Aaron made no noise and approached the table where Max had been working. A moss uniform matching his own now lay there. Max quickly tried it on, and it fit perfectly.
Moss uniform: Provides +2 defense and a 20% stealth bonus.
The thick yet flexible moss followed his movements, cushioning sudden gestures and muffling his steps. He tested a few moves to feel the flexibility and stealth it offered.
Aaron: Not bad… Not bad at all. With this, I could almost sneak up behind any enemy without being heard.
Max, still lying in the grass, opened one eye.
Max: See, I told you it would be useful. Now, we should be ready for the dungeon.
Aaron nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and tension rising within him. The sun set in the artificial sky, casting orange glows across the base, and every detail seemed sharper, more vivid.
Aaron: Yes, tomorrow will be long… we have to be ready for anything.
Max: I was wondering… do you ever regret your life before this?
Aaron: To be honest, I'd say no. I was… let's say, a failure in my previous life. But I do worry about my parents. We weren't always close… I just hope they're okay. Sounds silly, doesn't it?
Max: I don't think you're silly. What unsettles me here is the feeling that I could die at any moment. That thought terrifies me a bit.
Aaron: Then let's make sure we stay alive tomorrow too. Alright, good night, Max.
Max: Good night to you too, Aaron.
Aaron lay down next to Patapouf; the hard shell wasn't much of a pillow. Teaming up with Max felt right—he had the sense that, in the future, they could become like brothers.
The silence of the base settled gradually, punctuated only by Patapouf's steady breathing and the faint rustle of leaves around them. Aaron closed his eyes, letting the night's calm envelop him, though his thoughts remained fixed on the dungeon.
Tomorrow, the dungeon would await them, silent and threatening. Aaron prepared himself mentally, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Survive at all costs.